Box with Chrysanthemum and Scroll Design

청자 상감 국화·당초무늬 합 [靑磁象嵌菊花唐草文母子盒]

918–1392

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)

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Medium

inlaid celadon ware

Measurements

Diameter: 8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.); Overall: 2.6 cm (1 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of John L. Severance 1928.169.a

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This ceramic container was used to store either incense or cosmetics.

Description

Celadons, spoons, seals, and bronze mirrors were the most common burial objects in tombs during the Goryeo period (918–1392). Once used to contain colored powder, rouge, and eyebrow gel for makeup, this small container was one of the standard goods that furnished elites' tombs. Both women and men used the grain powder of rice or millet for whitening their skin, safflower extract for rouge, and plant ash or soot for eyebrow gel. Yet, natural-looking makeup seems to have been the most favorable one in Korea according to the travelogue by Xu Jing (1091–1153), the Chinese diplomat who visited Korea in 1123.